I am old school enough to subscribe to a hard copy newspaper every morning. It is a relaxing way to absorb the news of the day, at your own pace. There is something to be said for editing and grouping of content into sections.

In the latter days of this most recent lockdown I developed a scrolling habit. Born out of an impotent combination of boredom and too much time, I would find myself endlessly scrolling through various social sites. 

Stop, stop, full stop. 

What a miserable habit. Hours went drifting by under my thumb. Scrolling has been described as mind-numbing but I found it to be emotionally numbing too. Within one minute of scrolling it is possible to see pictures and memes ranging from inane and funny to painfully poignant. Very little actually registers as meaningful; the content jerks the reader back and forth between serious and hilarious. Attention whiplash disorder.

My break with the habit coincided with the lifting of the lockdown restrictions, which, no surprise, lifted my mood and energy at the same time. I have put down my phone and have raised my glass instead. 

I know I’m not alone here as we all venture out again. Feels good doesn’t it? People in the street, hugging, laughing. From social media back to socials.

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  Facebook or Twitter.